Improvement in carriage-tops



'W. A. BENEDICT.

CARRIAGE-TOPS.

No. 195,083. Patented Sept.11,1877.

UNITED STATES PATENT QFFICE.

WILLIAM A. BENEDICT, OF ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN.

IMPROVEMENT IN CARRIAGE-TOPS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 195,083, dated September 11, 1877 application filed February 19, 1877.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, WILLIAM A. BENEDICT, of Ann Arbor, in the county of Washtenaw and State of Michigan, have invented an Improvement in Carriage-Top Frames, of which the following is a specification:

The nature of this invention relates to certain new and useful improvements in frames for wagon-tops, designed to be more economical in construction and more easily operated than those of ordinary construction.

Figure l is a perspective view of my frame open and attached to a wagon-seat. Fig. 2 is a like view of the same open and thrown back. Fig. 3-is a like view of the same thrown back and closed.

Like letters refer to like parts in each figure.

In the drawing, A represents a wagon-seat, to which is attached the only bow B used in my top by means of the curved metallic arms 0. Irons of a Tshape, and lettered D, are secured, at the proper height, to the inner face of the bow, and into each end of these irons, which are made suitably for the purpose, are pivoted the ends of the veil-distenders E, as shown. The bows or veil-distenders E are pivoted to the bow B near its top, so as to rest at right angles to the said bow B when distended, thereby forming a frame in the shape of a phaeton top or awning. The usual arms G connect the bow B with the rear of the seat, and are provided with joints, so that the top may be thrown down or supported in place when raised.

This top frame may be covered with any desired material, and may be made as ornamental as taste may dictate.

At the pivotal point of the veil-distenders there may be provided any suitable stop or latch or catch, of any of the known forms, so that when the top is raised, if it is desired to raise to a vertical, or nearly vertical, position the distender, it will be secured in that position.

The curved metallic arms 0 are very important elements in this invention, as their shape changes the position of the lower ends of the bow in their relation to the pivotal point when the top is thrown down, and compels it to assume the proper position.

There are so many advantages to be derived from the use of a top constructed as above described that will be apparent to every observer that it is deemed unnecessary to elaborate them in this connection.

I am aware-that single-bow tops with veildistenders have been used before; consequenty,

What I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. The single-bow wagon-top described, consisting of the bow B, pivoted to the seat by means of the curved metallic arms 0, the horizontal veil-distenders E, secured to the said how near its top, and the jointed arms G, all constructed and arranged substantially as described and shown.

2. In a single-bow wagon-top, and in combination, the bow B, curved metallic arms (J, irons D, veil distenders E, and adjustable arms G, the whole constructed and arranged to operate substantially as and for the purposes specified.

WILLIAM A. BENEDICT. Witnesses:

. H. S. SPRAGUE,

R. H. GOMBS. 

